South Shore Joint Initiative

In fiscal 23/24 SSJI's educational and awareness program was carried out with a combination of webinars run over Zoom and in-person activities and events throughout Prince Edward County. Webinars and events were well attended and covered subjects such as Beauty on the Wing – Monarch Butterflies and others. Videos of these webinars are posted on our YouTube channel for public viewing. Our Wild Thing educational and awareness program was expanded to include Storytime t the library and expert guided visits for youth to the National Wildlife Area. Our project to undertake recording and oral history of the south shore fishery was nearly completed with the help of grant money. A book will be published next year as well. We also hope to have a huge amount of historical information be made available in the County Archives for posterity. Monthly south shore guided strolls were led by qualified naturalists to help educate and bring awareness of the fragility of the south shore ecosystem and importance of protecting species at risk of which the south shore is home to 39. This year strolls included Simpson Rd. MNR Rd. Ostrander Pt. Rd. Gull pond Lighthall berms and Wildflowers of the south shore. SSJI made several presentations to County Council in respect of planning applications proposed for sensitive lands as well as special presentations regarding the endangered commercial fishery and our eco-footpath project. Publication of our bi-monthly e-newsletter continued - now reaching at least 1600 subscribers. The newsletter updates members on our ongoing protection and advocacy initiatives and provides information about events. The Hudgin House restoration sub-committee continued to develop plans to restore the Hudgin log house to enable it to serve as a field center for eco-research on the south shore. Contracts were carried out for stabilization of the logs replacement of windows and doors etc. Discussions continued with Ontario Parks officials around how the ne